Stage IV Breast Cancer: Su's Patient Story
This breast cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage IV
- Spread to
- bones, thymus, liver
- Treatment
- targeted therapy and surgery
- Outcome
- Setback / Progression
Treatment course, step by step
- She is receiving targeted therapy, which she pays for out of pocket.
- After new spread to the liver was found, she underwent an embolization procedure to the liver.
What happened, in summary
Su Chiao was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2010 after finding a lump in the breast. The diagnosis brought fear, helplessness and anxiety, and Su Chiao responded by trying to eat more healthily and exercise more. Over the years, the cancer did not remain confined to the breast. After about 7 years, it had spread to the bones and thymus. Fourteen years into the journey, Su Chiao learned that it had also spread to the liver. Targeted therapy has been part of ongoing care, creating a financial burden because it is paid for out of pocket. After the liver spread was identified, Su Chiao underwent an embolization procedure to the liver. Exercise and prescribed medicines have helped with day-to-day management, while staying connected with loved ones remains a major priority. Despite repeated progression, Su Chiao describes becoming more courageous, thankful and hopeful. The goal now is to live as fully as possible, spend more time with family, travel when possible and maintain a positive, relaxed mindset while continuing treatment.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by Our Cancer Stories. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer